Episode 117
“Aunt Sophia, there she is—chatting with that Rodgers family man again!” Billie’s expression soured. Her voice, sharp with disapproval, cut through the air. “Why don’t you keep a tighter rein on your wife? What kind of display is she making, cozying up to another man at such a formal event?”
Kailee, ever eager to stoke the flames, added with mock concern, “Exactly, Aunt Sophia! Imagine the gossip. The whispers alone could tarnish the Norris name!”
Elijah pressed his fingers to his temples, a headache forming. His patience wearing thin, he replied curtly, “Soren and Elizabeth are collaborating professionally. This is a business event; social interaction is expected. There’s no scandal in networking.”
Billie’s frown deepened, her displeasure escalating into open disdain. “So that’s it? You’d rather be the peacemaker than hold her accountable? Fine. If you won’t be the bad guy, I will.” She turned to Kailee, her tone decisive. “Go get Elizabeth.”
Kailee’s eyes gleamed with mischief. Like a soldier following orders, she strutted toward Elizabeth and took her hand. “Aunt Sophia says you’re coming home with us.”
Elizabeth, aware of the growing attention, allowed herself to be led to a quieter corner. Once there, she shook off Kailee’s grasp with quiet defiance. “Kailee, let’s be clear—I’m your cousin’s wife, a Norris daughter-in-law, not your errand girl. Remember that.”
Kailee smirked, her smugness barely concealed. “Oh, please. Are you going to lecture me about overstepping? I’m just the messenger. Aunt Sophia thinks you should stop making a spectacle of yourself, chatting with every man in sight. The Norris family doesn’t need a daughter-in-law with loose boundaries.”
Elizabeth laughed, a brittle, cold sound. “How convenient. I don’t want to be a Norris daughter-in-law anymore. I’ve already given Elijah the divorce papers. If Sophia is so concerned, why doesn’t she help her precious son sign them so we can both move on?”
Kailee’s smugness vanished, replaced by disbelief. “You’re joking. No way. You’ve worked so hard to be part of this family. Why would you throw it all away—the wealth, the status?”